Meet the GOP leaders in charge of critical House environmental committees
The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.
Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Following the midterm elections in November, President Joe Biden faces a GOP-controlled House of Representatives largely opposed to the administration’s climate change and clean energy policies and efforts to curb the country’s dependence on fossil fuel production.
Although Republicans have a slim majority in the House, newly GOP-led committees have started to launch oversight of the administration’s climate agenda and have unveiled legislation aimed to maintain or increase fossil fuel production.
It’s unlikely that Republicans will advance major legislation to the president’s desk, but they will conduct oversight hearings on climate and energy legislation and attempt to redirect funding for climate programs under the historic Inflation Reduction Act.
Meet the three Republicans who are now leading key House environmental and climate committees:
Bruce Westerman, chair of House Committee on Natural Resources
Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., speaks during a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on the Save Our Sequoias Act, that aims to protect the trees from wildfires on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
House Republicans selected Westerman to lead the committee that oversees the Interior Department and the Forest Service and plays a role in dictating policy on issues like mineral resources, wildlife conservation, mining and irrigation.
Westerman, a representative for Arkansas’s fourth congressional district, has a background in engineering and is a licensed forester. He’s argued the country should focus on advancing technology such as nuclear power and carbon sequestration to address climate change, rather than aggressively limiting the country’s fossil fuel production. He’s also introduced legislation to plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050 in order to pull carbon out of the atmosphere.
As the Natural Resources Committee chair, Westerman said he would focus on conducting oversight of the Interior Department’s proposed five-year plan for new offshore oil and gas leases in federal waters. The proposal would block all new drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans within U.S. waters but allow some lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and the south coast of Alaska.
“We’re going to be using a lot of oil and gas for the foreseeable future,” Westerman said in a phone interview with CNBC. “Under this administration, they have attacked U.S. production on federal land. That is bad policy, it’s not following the law, and we plan to have oversight.”
Westerman also said he’s open to working with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat, on bipartisan permitting reforms for the country’s energy projects. Such legislation includes Westerman’s Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act, which aims to speed up the review process for energy projects under the National Environmental Policy Act.
“I’ve spoken to Manchin a couple of times — he is willing to work on common sense solutions,” Westerman said.
While the Natural Resources Committee is one of the most influential panels for environmental and climate policy, the GOP’s agenda will likely be limited by the Biden administration and the Democratic Senate.
Domestic critical mineral production could be an area where Democrats and Republicans might work together. Westerman has called for expanding mining to collect minerals necessary for electric vehicles and other clean energy sources, like lithium, copper, cobalt and nickel, arguing that doing so will boost U.S. energy security and limit the country’s dependence on Chinese supply chains.
But Westerman has also emphasized that the U.S. is focusing too much on EV production as a climate solution and has opposed curbing fossil fuel development, both of which are key components of the Biden administration’s climate agenda.
“We need a realistic approach to energy and the environment to address climate issues,” he said. “I want to focus on policies and programs that actually work.”
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) during a House Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on April 2, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Zach Gibson | Getty Images
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents the fifth district of Washington state, is leading the committee at the center of GOP plans to pass energy legislation and conduct oversight of the president’s climate agenda.
Rodgers, who opposed the president’s Inflation Reduction Act, has argued that Democrats are moving forward with the clean energy transition too quickly, making the country more reliant on China for technology like solar panels and EV batteries.
She’s introduced legislation that would limit the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Energy Department develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production.
As the Energy and Commerce Committee chair, Rodgers has supported oversight plans that involve investigating climate spending under the IRA as well as legislative plans focused on streamlining permitting to modernize energy infrastructure and promoting carbon capture, nuclear power, natural gas and hydropower.
For instance, Rogers has highlighted concerns over a Department of Energy loan program aimed to advance clean energy technology not yet funded by the private sector. The program will be expanded under the IRA.
“The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the center of solving the most important issues facing hardworking Americans – lowering costs, promoting free speech, and preserving free markets,” Rodgers said in a statement.
Earlier this month, the committee reviewed 17 energy bills, including those that would boost mining and oil and gas drilling, curb taxes on the fossil fuel industry and roll back climate provisions under the IRA.
The actions include repealing the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $27 billion dollar program designed to finance energy saving projects, as well as eliminating the IRA’s Methane Emission Reduction Program, which imposes a federal fee on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
It’s unlikely, however, that Republicans will have success changing or repealing climate programs under the IRA, since the president has the authority to veto congressional efforts to change climate spending provisions.
Frank Lucas, chair of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee
Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, is interviewed by CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images in his Rayburn Building office on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Rep. Frank Lucas, a fifth-generation Oklahoman who operates a farm and cattle ranch, is the new chair of the committee that has jurisdiction over key federal scientific research and development as well as authority over research activities at agencies like the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Weather Service and the EPA.
Lucas has said the committee would focus on issues including securing the supply chain for advanced technologies, renewing U.S. leadership in space and aeronautics and researching ways to make domestic energy cleaner.
“We’ll be focusing on promoting innovative technologies to facilitate our clean energy transition,” Lucas told CNBC. “Our goal is to make American energy cleaner, more affordable and more reliable. So every energy source and technology pathway is on the table in our effort to reduce emissions.”
Lucas has introduced legislation that would make the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the agency that forecasts weather, monitors storms and researches climate change impacts — an independent agency rather than a part of the Commerce Department. The bill would require Democrats’ support to pass.
Lucas said the committee would also conduct “robust oversight” of the spending being distributed to advance the country’s clean energy sector.
“We’ll focus on helping fossil fuels become cleaner and more efficient now, investing in battery storage and other tools to make renewable sources like wind and solar energy more reliable and supporting advanced technologies for nuclear and hydrogen,” Lucas said.
The previous chair of the committee, the now-retired Lamar Smith, R-Texas, had repeatedly questioned the science of climate change and accused federal researchers of manipulating climate research.
In contrast, Lucas has acknowledged the threat of disasters like drought and heatwaves that are growing worse with climate change, but has resisted the idea of curbing fossil fuel production to address the problem.
The Tesla Solar Roof tiles are still alive, but the product is on the back burner at Tesla as it failed to achieve its promises.
When launching the solar roof in 2016, CEO Elon Musk presented it as a critical product to accelerate solar power deployment, as it opens up the market to people who want to go solar but also need to replace their roof soon.
He said that he aimed for Tesla to produce 1,000 new solar roofs per week by the end of 2019.
However, Tesla didn’t reach volume production of the solar roof tiles until 2020, and even then, it was at a fraction of the deployment it was aiming for.
In 2022, Electrek reported that Tesla installed solar roofs for the first time and confirmed that the Company deployed 2.5 MW of solar roofs during the second quarter of 2022, equivalent to approximately 23 roofs per week, which is far short of its goal.
Since then, Tesla has even further pulled back its solar effort – and even stopped reporting its solar deployment.
Many people are asking what it means for the solar roof, which Musk touted as a revolutionary product.
In 2023, we reported that Tesla began phasing out its solar business, particularly its in-house installations.
Tesla shifted its focus on deploying Powerwalls and solar inverters through third-party installers.
The same thing is happening with Tesla’s solar roof tiles. The company appears to be giving up on installing them itself, but some installations are still happening with third-party certified installers.
Tesla doesn’t even give online quotes on its solar roof anymore and has people submit requests for quotes through third-party installers:
“In order to receive pricing and product information, Tesla will share your contact information with a Tesla Certified Installer.”
We are hearing less about solar roof installations lately, as Tesla has gone virtually silent on the program; however, some ongoing installations are still being carried out by third-party installers.
Weddle and Sons Roofing just posted about a new 20 kW Tesla Solar Roof installation in Topeka, Kansas:
It’s challenging to determine the exact deployment rate of the solar roof, but based on our checks with a few installers, it doesn’t appear to have increased since 2022.
Tesla-certified installers are even convincing potential buyers to opt for a regular roof with solar panels instead of a solar roof. Potential buyer Jeff Betty shared this text from an unnamed installer:
This is not entirely surprising, as the primary issue with the Tesla Solar Roof tiles is their pricing. Tesla aimed for the solution to be competitive with higher-end roofing options, but it remains expensive and much less affordable than many durable roof options, plus solar panels.
Electrek’s Take
In short, the Tesla Solar Roof is still alive, but it’s nowhere near the revolutionary product Tesla claimed it would be.
Instead, it has become a very niche higher-end roofing product that Tesla deploys in very low volume through third-party installers.
It’s not in any way a significant part of Tesla’s energy business, which is now almost entirely Megapacks and Powerwalls.
While Tesla’s solar roof is not for everyone, now is a great time to go solar with rooftop solar panels.
If you want to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Environment
Retrospec Valen Rev+: A fat tire e-bike with the spirit of an all-terrain scrambler [Video]
![Retrospec Valen Rev+: A fat tire e-bike with the spirit of an all-terrain scrambler [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/DSC08478.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
For the Valen Rev+, Retrospec managed to get the best out of that iconic moto-style scrambler spirit and put it into a comfortably handling fat tire e-bike while also keeping the performance bits that make it fun, and the best part is it comes at a reasonable price of just under $1,800
Aside from the looks and price this bike has a unique fun factor that comes from a combination of a few key components here.
One is the 20 by 4.0 inch Fat MTB tires with puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. Aside from these tires offering an extra layer of protection and suspension, Retrospec’s decision to offer wide tires also gives way more stability than a typical bike tire, which makes going through ruts, mud, or sand pretty effortless.
The second key component is the front suspension, which is fully adjustable and has 100mm of travel. Combined with the extra suspension from the fat tires, as mentioned earlier, this makes otherwise challenging terrain turn into fun detours that you’ll likely go out of your way to use.
The third component is the 750w rear hub motor, which gives the bike a 28 mph assisted top speed. Combined with the secure handling and added front suspension, the Valen Rev+ is the kind of bike you want to plan an adventure with. Whether that’s a dirt road shortcut on your commute or a day to the beach, the comfortable long seat makes it hard to say no to a trip with the Valen Rev+
On the practical side, Retrospec put some significant thought into the design and build of this bike to ensure that riders are cared for with those often less thought of yet still essential features. Starting with the battery, the fully integrated 720Wh battery uses LG 21700 cells for a total of 68 miles of range when fully charged. In addition, the battery is lockable and easily removable for both on- and off-bike battery charging. It’s also seamlessly integrated into the bike’s frame, making for a clean look.
For safety, Retrospec added Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with e-bike-specific rotors, which is an important upgrade, considering an improved rotor typically allows for better heat dissipation and better overall performance. There are also Integrated front and rear lights with 100 Lux illumination for the front. Safety aside, the design here for the front light looks amazing.
For the less thought-of yet essential features, Retrospec included an easy-change rear wheel removal system that uses braze-ons located at the lower part of the bike, so there’s no need to remove zip ties. Unlike other e-bikes, the Valen Rev+ kept it simple with the same axel nut for both the front and rear which means fewer tools, but what makes the process itself a lot easier is not having to wrestle the chain when re-installing the wheel thanks to the chain hanger.
One of the great feelings of the Retrospec Valen Rev+ e-bike is how simple yet stylish it is; the display is a center-mounted color display with controls on the left-hand side of the handlebars. The control panel has only three buttons, so it’s as simple as it gets. With the up or down control, you can change through 6 levels of pedal assist, but if you’re looking for more control, you can also use the controls on the right side of the handlebars to cycle through the eight speeds on the Shimano Altus derailleur.
For how comfortable the moto-inspired Valen Rev+ is, it also feels great to pedal on in case you’re looking for more exercise and want to opt for the pedal assist rather than the throttle only. Unlike other e-bikes on the market, Retrospec’s Rev+ makes riding very approachable. For those who are newer to riding, that long seat and wide tires add a level of stability, making the overall learning experience much more enjoyable. With how comfortable the bike rides, it might make you think more about leaving the car at home more often and opting for the bike paths.
For those looking to get as much fun as possible out of an e-bike aside from the fat tires and front suspension, Retrospec’s BMX style handlebars offer excellent geometry and height that gives you much more control over the bike in case you wanna stand up and tackle some of the more challenging trails. In addition, if you’re looking to forget pedaling altogether, you could even choose to get the optional footpeg accessories, which, combined with the BMX-styled handlebars, will make the bike much more functional for off-road riding.
Overall, Retrospec seems to have put a lot of effort into bringing that scrambler moto spirit into a comfortable bike with loads of features that other manufacturers haven’t quite nailed down. From the easy rear wheel removal to the BMX-styled handlebars and comfortable long seat, it’s a very approachable and easy-to-maintain e-bike that can still rip on trails for those who want to tackle more of that tough off-road terrain.
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![This is it: Mazda EZ-60 crossover interior revealed ahead of global launch [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-19-at-6.35.22 AM.png?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
We got our first look at the new-for-2026 Mazda EZ-60 electric crossover just last week, but Mazda played coy with the interior, leading many in the media (including us) to believe that the interior would be pretty similar to the EZ-6 sedan‘s. We were wrong.
I’ll cut right to the chase. The new Model Y rival from Mazda is coming for the Y’s old sales crown with a starkly elegant 26.45-inch 5K ultra-wide display with dual screens and (get this) a massive 100″ (!) augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield, alerting the driver of pedestrians, speed limits, etc.
You can check it out for yourself, below.
Mazda EZ-60 interior revealed
As you can see, the interior largely eschews buttons, knobs, or physical interfaces of any kind in favor of touchscreens. Those screens enable EZ-60 drivers and passengers to control and adjust a 23-speaker, 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos audio system, while a separate touchscreen in the rear allows drivers passengers to adjust climate and entertainment settings for themselves.
Other interior features include super-slick digital wing mirror displays (the exterior “side mirrors” are aerodynamic cameras), and fully twenty kid- and family-friendly storage compartments sprinkled liberally throughout the vehicle. A relatively small 350-liter (12.3 cu ft) rear trunk expands to 2,036 liters (71.9 cu ft) with the seats folded flat. A 126-liter frunk (4.4 cu ft, or about the size of the mini fridge in your college dorm) adds extra practicality.
The electric Mazda SUV itself is built on the Changan EPA1 platform, and is believed to be powered by an 80 kWh battery good for 295 miles of WLTP range, and a 93 kW charging speed that can take the EZ-60 from 30 to 80% charge in a little over 30 mins.
Following the crossover’s Chinese launch – officially slated for April 23rd. Changan Mazda plans to release the EZ-60 in overseas markets under the Mazda CX-6e nameplate.
Electrek’s Take
Mazda is on a hot streak right now – and not just in China, but in the US as well. The brand’s near-premium positioning is perfect, targeting middle class buyers who are willing to pay a premium to drive a vehicle with better fit and finish than the Ford, Chevy, and Stellantis offerings – but not enough of a premium to justify a move into Acura/Volvo territory. And, frankly, no one in the industry is doing paint as well as Mazda right now. Not until you start doubling the Mazda’s MSRPs, anyway.
Here’s hoping this one comes to the US.
SOURCE | VIDEO: Changan Mazda, via China Auto Show, Planet Car News.
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